Mechanical eye for a toy

ABSTRACT

A mechanical eye ( 100 ) for a toy, which comprises an artificial eye ( 1 ) with a piece in the form of a first spherical cap ( 2 ) and an artificial eyelid ( 3 ). It is characterized in that it comprises a motorized lever ( 5 ), which may be actuated in first and second opposed directions a and b and the resistance arm thereof is provided with a cam surface ( 6 ); and return means ( 7 ), independent of the lever, which act on the eyelid and which tend to arrange said eyelid in a position A which uncovers the eye, the cited cam surface being adapted for contacting and exerting a pressure on a part ( 8 ) of the eyelid when the lever is actuated in the second direction b, the pressure being sufficient so as to shift the eyelid, overcoming the force which the return means exert on the same, between at least the cited position A and a position B, in which the eyelid covers the eye at least partially.

TECHNICAL SECTOR OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a mechanical eye for a toy and also to a module which incorporates the aforementioned mechanical eye. The mechanical eye of the invention allows a blinking action of a real eye to be simulated in a toy, increasing the feeling of realness of the toy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Different proposals for mechanical eyes for toys are known. One type of mechanical eye of interest is that which simulates blinking of the eye and which therefore is capable of being changeable from an open state to a closed state and vice versa.

Such proposals are based on mounting a spherical cap on an eyeball, which simulates an eye, said spherical cap simulates an eyelid, the eyelid being coupled to a rotation axis which is motorized.

A specific example of this type of proposal is exemplified in the patent document US20110097968, which describes a simulated eye which includes an eyeball, an upper eyelid which covers the eyeball and a pivot rod. The pivot rod is coupled in a pivoting manner to the eyeball and the eyelid is fixed to the pivot rod. In turn, said pivot rod is coupled to the axis which is actuated by means of an actuation device. The actuation of the axis causes the upper eyelid to actuate in order to rotate with respect to the eyeball, thereby simulating a blinking action.

The actuation device in US20110097968 is based on a rack and pinion system such that the axis is permanently engaged with a toothed bar which is the movable part of an induction motor.

When the toy on which the mechanical eye is mounted is intended for a child audience, it is of particular interest that the actuation system or mechanism is robust, in the sense that when the toy is exposed to impacts or to use that is not overly careful or delicate, it is not of interest for minor imbalances in components of the mechanism that are involved in the actuation thereof to cause poor functioning.

In the proposal according to US20110097968, the axis is permanently engaged with the actuation device and therefore any imbalance in the axis affects the mechanical coupling thereof with the actuation device and may affect the functioning of the mechanical eye.

The permanent engagement of the axis with the actuation device can also be damaging for the unit of the mechanical eye when the user manipulates the eyelid. That is to say, it should be expected, being a toy for children, that the user manually actuates the eyelid, for example to close it when the toy is active. In the proposal according to US20110097968 this maneuver triggers, due to transmission of the permanently engaged components, the movement of the movable part of the motor, possibly damaging it.

A mechanical eye is therefore an object of the invention which solves the above-discussed drawbacks. Specifically, it is desirable for the mechanical eye to be constructively simple and robust, and that it is better prepared for manipulations on the part of the user.

In addition to the foregoing, if the toy attempts to simulate the blinking of two eyes, in order to confer on the toy greater realness, it may be of interest for the eyelids to be able to rotate around axes which are not parallel. A proposal is also an object of the invention by means of which the eyelids of both eyes can be actuated in a simple manner by means of a same actuation device even when the eyelids may rotate around axes which are not parallel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The mechanical eye of the invention is particularly ideal for a toy and comprises an artificial eye, with a piece in the form of a first spherical cap; and an artificial eyelid, with a piece in the form of a second spherical cap mounted outside of the eye and in a rotatable manner around an axis (x) transversal to the eye.

In essence, this mechanical eye is characterized in that it comprises a motorized lever, which may be actuated around a rotation axis (y) in first and second opposed directions a and b, the resistance arm thereof is provided with a cam surface; and return means, independent of the lever, which act on the eyelid and which tend to arrange the eyelid in a position A which uncovers the eye, the cited cam surface of the motorized lever being adapted for contacting and exerting a pressure on a portion of the eyelid upon the lever being actuated in the second direction b, the pressure being sufficient so as to shift the eyelid, rotating it around the axis (x), overcoming the force which the return means exert on the same, between at least the cited position A and a position B, in which the eyelid covers the eye at least partially.

Advantageously, the eyelid can be manually actuated in the direction of the position B without it impacting on the lever. Furthermore, the transmission between the lever and the eyelid is simple, without incorporating fixed assemblies and it is based on the support without fixing between a cam surface and a portion of the eyelid.

This relationship enables, for example for the axis (x), around which the eyelid may rotate, to not be parallel to the rotation axis (y) of the lever, which may be of interest for increasing the realness of the toy or increasing the caricaturization thereof, which complicated the actuation mechanisms in the known solutions.

For this, the invention envisaged that in one embodiment, the axis (x), around which the eyelid may rotate, is not parallel to the rotation axis (y) of the lever.

In a preferred variant, the portion of the eyelid via which comes into contact with the cam surface of the lever has a curved surface suitable for allowing the cam surface to slide thereon while the pressure of the lever is transmitted to the eyelid.

According to a characteristic of one embodiment, the return means arrange the eyelid permanently applied against the lever. Advantageously, it is not necessary to have any fixed stop to halt the rotation of the eyelid in the direction to the position A and it is the same lever which applies the stop.

In one form of embodiment, the first spherical cap is joined to or comprises two essentially cylindrical, diametrically opposed protuberances which extend outwards, capable of serving to fix the eye to the outer support casing via which the second spherical cap is supported in a rotatable manner.

This solution simplifies the assembly of the components and eliminates joining elements such as screws or similar.

Along these lines and according to one variant, the second spherical cap has two diametrically opposed eyelets and in that said second spherical cap is sufficiently elastically deformable so as to be opened and a corresponding protuberance of the first spherical cap inserted in each one of the eyelets.

The invention envisages that the actuation of the lever responds to external stimuli, for this reason in one embodiment, the mechanical eye is provided with an angular position sensor of the lever; with a switch module; and with a processor which stores different actuation programs of a motor associated with the lever and which is capable, upon the switch module being actuated, of selecting and executing one of the actuation programs of the motor stored as a function of the immediate angular position of the motorized lever.

This allows the quality of the toy and the realness of the same to be increased.

Preferably, the switch module comprises a transducer with at least any one of a pressure sensor, a noise sensor or a light sensor.

In order to actuate the lever, in one variant, the motorized lever is equipped with a groove in which an eccentric projection connected to an actuation shaft, coupled to a motor, is inserted.

According to a proposed solution, the actuation shaft rotates around an axis (z) parallel to the rotation axis (y) of the lever.

In order to simplify the construction, it is envisaged that the projection is formed in a disc connected to the actuation shaft.

The mechanical eye is especially suitable for being used for the actuation of another eye and eyelid set, using for this the same motor and actuation shaft. Thus, it is envisaged, for example, that the motorized lever is joined by means of at least one transmission piece which extends normal to the rotation plane of the lever to another lever associated with another mechanical eye such that the actuation of this other lever is produced.

According to another aspect of the invention, a module is also made known which simulates the blinking of artificial eyes for a toy, which comprises a first and second mechanical eyes according to the invention, arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry, in which the lever associated with the eyelid of the first eye and the lever associated with the eyelid of the second eye are mounted rotatable around a common rotation axis (y) and in which the lever associated with the first eye is coupled to an actuation shaft of a motor while the lever associated with the second eye is a lever driven by the lever associated with the first eye by means of at least one transmission piece which joins both levers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are both perspective views of a mechanical eye according to the invention, in which the eyelid adopts two different positions: one in which it uncovers the eye and another in which it partially covers it;

FIGS. 3a to 3c are a sequence of the movement of the eyelid from a position A in which it uncovers the eye to a position B in which it completely covers it; and

FIG. 4 shows a module which comprises two mechanical eyes according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

The mechanical eye 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is intended to form part of a toy. This mechanical eye 100 comprises an artificial eye 1 and an artificial eyelid 3, both made of plastic.

The artificial eye 100 comprises a piece in the form of a first spherical cap 2 which simulates the visible part of an eyeball and which may include drawings or illustrations of an iris and a pupil. The artificial eyelid 3, in turn, comprises a piece in the form of a second spherical cap 4 which is mounted outside of the eye 1 in a rotatable manner around an axis (x) transversal to the eye 1, such that the rotation thereof around this axis x causes the eyelid 3 to partially or completely cover or uncover the eye 1. The eyelid 3 may include, for example, elements which simulate an eyelash.

In the mechanical eye 100 of the example, the first spherical cap 2 comprises two essentially cylindrical, diametrically opposed protuberances 9 orientated according to the axis (x) which extend outwards and which serve for the rotatable support and coupling of the second spherical cap 4. For such purpose, the second spherical cap 4 has two diametrically opposed eyelets 10 in each one of which a protuberance 9 is inserted.

In the example, in order to facilitate the mounting or assembly of the second spherical cap 4 on the first spherical cap 2, said second spherical cap 4 is sufficiently elastically deformable so as to be opened and a corresponding protuberance 9 of the first spherical cap 2 to be inserted in each one of the eyelets 10, returning to adopt its natural form by way of elastic reaction.

The protuberances 9 also serve to fix the eye 1 to an external casing, not depicted, such that the eyelets 10 cannot be removed and the eyelid 3 is coupled without the possibility of being released via the eye 1.

The protuberances 9 also serve as support for torsion springs, the free ends thereof are loaded one against the second spherical cap 4 and the other against one fixed part of the mechanical eye 100 or of the toy, for example against the same protuberance 9 or against the casing in which the mechanical eye 100 is supported such that they act on the eyelid 3 and tend to arrange it in the position A which FIG. 1 illustrates. The torsion springs perform the function of return means 7, such that from any position in which the eyelid completely or partially covers the eye 1, the eyelid commanded by the torsion springs tends to uncover the eye 1.

The mechanical eye 100 also comprises a motorized lever 5 which may be actuated around a rotation axis (y) in opposed first and second directions a and b. The resistance arm of the lever 5 is provided with a cam surface 6, the function of which is explained below.

This lever 5 is arranged with respect to the eyelid 3 such that, due to the effect of the torsion springs, the eyelid 3 is permanently applied against the lever 5. Consequently, the immediate position of the lever 5 determines the position of the eyelid 3. By controlling the rotation of the lever 5 it is possible to control the extent to which the eyelid 3 covers the eye 1.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show that the cited cam surface 6 of the motorized lever 5 is adapted for contacting and exerting a pressure on a portion 8 of the eyelid 3 when the lever is actuated in the direction b (see FIG. 2), the pressure being sufficient so as to shift the eyelid 3, rotating it around the axis (x), overcoming the force which the return means 7 exert on the same, between at least the position A depicted in FIG. 1 and a position B, depicted in FIG. 2, in which the eyelid 3 covers the eye 1.

Upon the lever 5 being actuated in the opposed direction b (see sequence of the FIGS. 3a to 3c ), the eyelid 3 automatically uncovers the eye 1 due to the effect of the return means 7.

Advantageously, the manual actuation of the eyelid 3 in the closing direction does not affect the movement of the lever 5, which remains in the position thereof, and therefore the actuation motor 19 of the lever 5 does not idle.

In the example, note that the axis (x), around which the eyelid 3 is mounted in a rotatable manner, is not parallel to the rotation axis (y) of the lever 5. Therefore, the contact surfaces between the lever 5 and the eyelid 3 must be conveniently made for one to slide with respect to the other when the lever changes its position.

To this end, the portion 8 of the eyelid 3 on which it contacts the cam surface 6 of the lever 5 has a curved and slightly rounded surface 8 a which is reminiscent of a lip, on which the cam surface 6 can slide while the pressure of the lever 5 is transmitted to the eyelid 3.

For the actuation of the lever 5, the mechanical eye 100 incorporates a motor 19 which produces the rotation of an actuation shaft 16 mechanically connected to the lever 5.

In the example, the lever 5 is equipped with a groove 14 in which an eccentric projection 15 of the actuation shaft 16, coupled to the motor 19, is inserted (see sequence of the FIGS. 3a to 3c ). This actuation shaft 16 rotates around an axis (z) parallel to the rotation axis (y) of the lever 5 and is connected to a disc 17 in which the projection (15) is formed in one single piece.

The invention considers that the mechanical eye 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 can serve to actuate another eye 1′ and eyelid 3′ set by means of a corresponding lever 5′ and using, for this, the same motor 19. A resulting module 200 made for simulating the blinking of two artificial eyes 1 and 1′ for a toy is illustrated in FIG. 4.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the lever 5′ of this other eye 1′ and eyelid 3′ set is may rotate around the same rotation axis (y) and is actuated by the movement of the lever 5 associated with the first eye 1 and eyelid 3 set. Indeed, the invention envisages that the levers 5 and 5′ are joined to each other and that only one of them is directly driven by the actuation shaft 16.

FIG. 4 shows how the levers 5 and 5′ are joined by means of a transmission piece 18 which extends normal to the rotation plane of the levers and also by means of a common bushing 18′, the rotatable support thereof via a support casing performs the function of a fulcrum of the levers 5 and 5′ which rotate simultaneously.

The mechanical eye 100 or the module 200 are ideal for an interactive toy in which the actuation of the lever 5 or levers 5, 5′ is triggered in response to external stimuli such as the voice or touch of a user.

As FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, the invention envisages providing the mechanical eye 100 or the module 200 with an angular position sensor 11 of the lever 5; with a switch module 12; and with a processor 13 which stores different actuation programs of the motor 19 associated with the lever 5 and which is capable, when the switch module 12 is actuated, of selecting and executing one of the actuation programs of the motor stored as a function of the immediate angular position of the motorized lever 5.

The angular position sensor 11 can be of the type comprising a fixed support with electrically conductive tracks and brushes or tabs, which are also electrically conductive, but coupled to the lever 5. Depending on the immediate position of the lever 5, the brushes make electric contact with a different track which produces a different electric signal, it thereby being possible to know the position of the lever 5.

As has been suggested before, the switch module 12 is preferably of the type comprising a transducer, capable of generating an electric impulse depending on an external physical phenomenon. For this purpose, this transducer can comprise any one of a pressure sensor, noise sensor or light sensor. 

1. A mechanical eye (100) for a toy, which comprises an artificial eye (1) with a piece in the form of a first spherical cap (2); and an artificial eyelid (3), with a piece in the form of a second spherical cap (4) mounted outside of the eye and in a rotatable manner around an axis (x) transversal to the eye, comprising: a motorized lever (5), which may be actuated around a rotation axis (y) in first and second opposed directions a and b and the resistance arm thereof is provided with a cam surface (6); and return means (7), independent of the lever, which act on the eyelid and which tend to arrange the eyelid in a position A which uncovers the eye; the cited cam surface of the motorized lever being adapted for contacting and exerting a pressure on a portion (8) of the eyelid when the lever is actuated in the second direction b, the pressure being sufficient so as to shift the eyelid, rotating it around the axis (x), overcoming the force which the return means exert on the same, between at least the cited position A and a position B, in which the eyelid covers the eye at least partially.
 2. The mechanical eye (100) according to claim 1, wherein the portion (8) of the eyelid (3) which contacts the cam surface (6) of the lever (5) has a curved surface (8 a) suitable for allowing the cam surface (6) to slide thereon while the pressure of the lever (5) is transmitted to the eyelid (3).
 3. The mechanical eye (100) according to claim 1, wherein the axis (x), around which the eyelid (3) may rotate, is not parallel to the rotation axis (y) of the lever (5).
 4. The mechanical eye (100) according to claim 1, wherein the return means (7) arrange the eyelid (3) permanently applied against the lever (5).
 5. The mechanical eye (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first spherical cap (2) is joined to or comprises two essentially cylindrical, diametrically opposed protuberances (9) which extend outwards, capable of serving to fix the eye (1) to the outer support casing via which the second spherical cap (4) is supported in a rotatable manner.
 6. The mechanical eye (100) according to claim 5, wherein the second spherical cap (4) has two diametrically opposed eyelets (10) and in that said second spherical cap (4) is sufficiently elastically deformable so as to be opened and a corresponding protuberance (9) of the first spherical cap (2) to be inserted in one of the eyelets (10).
 7. The mechanical eye (100) according to claim 1, comprising an angular position sensor (11) of the lever (5); with a switch module (12); and with a processor (13) which stores different actuation programs of a motor associated with the lever (5) and which is capable, when the switch module is actuated, of selecting and executing one of the actuation programs of the motor stored as a function of the immediate angular position of the motorized lever (5).
 8. The mechanical eye (100) according to claim 7, wherein the switch module (12) comprises a transducer with at least any one of a pressure sensor, noise sensor or light sensor.
 9. The mechanical eye (100) according to claim 1, wherein the motorized lever (5) is equipped with a groove (14) in which an eccentric projection (15) connected to an actuation shaft (16), which is coupled to a motor (19), is inserted.
 10. The mechanical eye (100) according to claim 9, wherein the actuation shaft (16) rotates around an axis (z) parallel to the rotation axis (y) of the lever (5).
 11. The mechanical eye (100) according to claim 9, wherein the projection (15) is formed in a disc (17) connected to the actuation shaft (16).
 12. The mechanical eye (100) according to claim 1, wherein the motorized lever (5) is joined by means of at least one transmission piece (18) which extends normal to the rotation plane of the lever to another lever (5′) associated with another mechanical eye such that the actuation of this other lever (5′) is produced.
 13. A module (200) which simulates the blinking of artificial eyes for a toy, which comprises first and second mechanical eyes (100) according to claim 1, arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry, in which the lever (5) associated with the eyelid (3) of the first eye (1) and the lever (5′) associated with the eyelid (3′) of the second eye (1′) are mounted so they may rotate around a common rotation axis (y) and in which the lever (5) associated with the first eye is coupled to an actuation shaft (16) of a motor while the lever (5′) associated with the second eye is a lever driven by the lever (5) associated with the first eye by means of at least one transmission piece (18) which joins both levers. 